Race handicapping device



March 18, 1947. w. WAHRT 2,417,719

RAGE HANDICAPPING DEVICE n Filed Feb. 16, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet l QD as Qi ao a IN V EN TOR. WILLIAM VAHRT March 18, 1947. w. WAHRT 2,417,719

RACE HANDICAPPING DEVICE Filed Feb. 16, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 TIME Ana r msmucss baai 33 MNHINGS I6 y IB INVENTOR. WILLIAM WAHRT ffii/IEX.

Patented Mar. 18, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT oEEicE RACE HANDICAPPING DEVICE William Wahrt, New York,vN. Y. Application February 16, 1945, Serial No. 578,340

5 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a race handicapping device.

More particularly, the invention proposes a handicapping device which may be used for handicapping any type of race, such as horse races, dog races, etc. However, the particular handicapping device disclosed in this specification is intended to be used for horse racing. Similar devices may be arranged to be used for any other type of races as already stated.

The horse racing handicapping device, in accordance with this invention is characterized by a shaft turnably mounted through a frame and supporting what will hereinafter be called, a first group of rollers. It is proposed that a tubular shaft will be turnably mounted on said shaft for supporting a second group of rollers. A means is provided for connecting these shafts together for unitary rotation and disconnecting them for individual rotations. It is proposed to provide a sighting bar mounted across the frame and indicating across the rollers.

It is proposed that the data on the rollers cornprise certain information needed for figuring handicaps. It is contemplated that the first group of rollers include a rating roller, having peripheral divisions extending upwards and downwards from 100, representing the starting point. The iirst group of rollers also includes a set of reference time and distance rollers, adjustably connected with each other and with said rating roller for setting to par from the track records for the distance and time. With this arrangement it is possible to set the rating rollers in relation to the reference time, and distance rollers to represent the par of any particular track. Each racing track has a detailed record, which is available, giving their particular par. With this information it is possible to set the first group of rollers.

It is proposed that the second group of rollers include a racing data roller and a set of rollers representing lengths beaten, weight, class, and winning percentage that is in lst, 2nd or 3rd of total starts, etc. It is proposed that this second group of rollers be so arranged that the racing data roller is adjustable relative thereto and the rolls of the group may be adjustably set in relation to each other. In this latter event all the rollers of the second group of rollers, except the racing date roller should be iixedly connected together in a group so that the racing date roller may be adjusted each day, so that the handicapping device may be used each day to figure handicaps.

2 The invention also proposes a plate with markings mounted on the frame and extending across said rollers for identifying the various rollers.

Still further the invention proposes a handicapping device as mentioned, which is simple,

and which may be used with little trouble, and which may be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

in the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l. is a front elevational View of a race handicapping device, constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig, 2 is a developed View of the entire group of rollers shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line ell-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional View of Fig. 1.

Fig 6 is a perspective view of the device.

The race handicapping device, in accordance with this invention, includes a frame I0. This frame iii is formed from a pair of end plates II which are fixedly held in spaced positions by a group of tie rods I2. A shaft I4 is turnably mounted through said frame ID and is for the purpose of supporting a first group of rollers embraced by the bracket I6. A tubular shaft I'I is turnably mounted on the shaft I4 and is for the purpose of supporting a second group of rollers embraced by the bracket I8. The tubular shaft il projects from one of the end plates II. This projecting end is provided with a knob IS by which the shaft I'I may be pushed to engage the first group of rolls. The ends of the shaft I may be provided with knobs 20 by which the shaft Iii may be turned. The shaft I4 is turnably supported at one end by the tubular shaft Il'.

At the other end of the frame I0, the shaft I4 passes through the end plate I I which is provided with friction washers 23. These washers are locked with nuts 2| against the end plate II to prevent shaft Ill and the first group of rollers from turning when the tubular shaft I'I is lined up with the said group of rollers.

The shaft I4 and the tubular shaft II may be connected together for unitary rotation, or they may be disconnected for individual rotation, when this is desired. The connecting means comprises a pair or opposed teethed clutch members 25, one of which is xedly mounted on the shaft I4, the other of which is ixedly mounted on the tubular shaft I'I.

The clutch members 25 are located between the groups of rollers I6 and I8. The tubular shaft Il is capable of being manually pushed in or pulled out for engaging and disengaging the clutch members 25 from each other respectively. When the clutch members 25 are pressed against each other their teeth will interengage and then the shafts I4 and Il are connected for unitary rotation. When the tubular shaft Il is pulled out. the clutch members 25 will be separated and then the shafts I4 and Il may be individually or relatively turned. The clutch members 25 are illustrated in their separated positions. The knob I9 may be pressed inwardly to engage the clutch members 25, and then the knob i9 may be used to turn the shafts I'I and I4.

The sighting bar 28 is mounted across the frame I and across the groups of rollers I 6 and I8.

This sighting bar 28 is supported upon one of the provided on the sighting bar 28 which enables the ;;'.x

user to follow the markings on a specic roller. A plate 29 with markings for identifying the various rollers is also mounted upon the frame IB across said rollers. This plate 29 is pivotally supported on one of said tie rods I2. 2S may be directed upwards or it may be folded down. It is pivotally supported by a pair of spaced tubular portions 3D formed aloner the bottom edge of the plate 29.

A support rod 33 is pivotally and non-slidably mounted upon the wire 32, and is formed with a bottom hook portion which is capable of engaging upon another one of the tie rods I2 by which the plate 29 may be held in an upwardly extending position. nected from the tie rod I2, the plate 29 may be folded down. The markings upon the plate 29 will be discussed after a more detailed description oi the rollers of the device.

The rst group of rollers I6 includes a rating,r

roller which is the particular design of the handicapping device is formed from two adjacent roller sections 35 and 3B. The roller sections 55 and 3S are separate roller members iixedly clamped together. starting point represented by the numeral Illl. From this point the roller section 35 is graduated into readings above and below 100. At one point the scale crosses over to the roller section 35. This point is at the area between the numerals Sli and 8l. The purpose of having the roller sections 35 and 36 is merely to extend the numerals. The numeral I on the roller section 35 is ac cepted as a par of the track.

The plate 25 is inscribed with the word Rating indicated by the reference numeral 3l at on area. above the roller sections 35 and 35. indicating that these roller sections represent the rating of the handicapping device. The remaining rollers on the group of rollers IIS indicated by the reference numerals 49 to 4l inclusive. is im printed with scales to give the time for different distances. For example the roller 4Q represents 51/2 furlongs, 4I represents 1% of a mile roller 44, a mile, etc. The plate 29 is imprinted at an area The plate zz."

When the support rod 33 is discon- L The roller section 35 has a i ored line.

48 with the distances for the various times on the rollers 4U to 4l inclusive. Any additional distances with reference time on rollers may be used. This area 48 of the plate 29 is also imprinted with the par time of a particular track for these distances. This section of the plate 29 is referred to as the Reference Time and Distance portion of the plate 29. In Fig. 2 the numerals I, 2, 3 and 4 represent iifths of a second.

Freins Figs. 1 and 2 it can be observed that the par rating 100 of the track on the rating roller section 35 is set to the par time on the group of rollers Ml to 4l inclusive. The par position if.: made clear -by a. heavy imprinted line 153, or a col All of the rollers of the first group of rollers I6 are clamped together as a unit. This clamping is accomplished by a nut t which is threadedly mounted upon the shaft i4 and which engages against the outer face of the roller 35,

forcing all of the rollers oi the group I'i against the clutch which is mounted on the shaft Id. The nut 50 is formed with several peripheral openings 5I into which a turning tool may be engaged by which the nut 5D may be loosened. Thus, the various rollers of the group I5 may be reset into selected positions. In this way the handicapping device may be reset to represent the par of any track.

The second group of rollers I8 includes a racing date roller 53. This racing date roller 53 is irnprinted with numerals from 1 to 30 and represents the days of the month. The 31st day may be represented by the I. This numeral I is also used to represent the first day of the month. The racing date roller 53 is loose on the tubular shaft Il. However, a friction washer 54 is coaxially mounted on the tubular shaft I'I and is interposed between the racing date roller 53 and the adjacent roller of the group of rollers I3, and is for the purpose of frictionally holding the racing date roller 53 stationary in relation to the remaining rollers of the group.

The date roller is divided into equal spaces. the same spacing of the time rollers covers siii seconds or thirty-fifths in the first group o rollers. One-fifth of a second in time equals one beaten length so that the approximate running time for a beaten horse for a certain dis tance and track may be established by adding lengths to the winners time. The time figures on the rollers may be extended above and below a par reference time if necessary as shown in Fig. 2. It is to be understood that any suitable spacing may be used for the time rollers.

The remaining rollers consist of a Length Beaten roller 55, a Weight roller 5l', a Class roller 58, and a Percentage Winning roller 59 Th rollers are all identified by printed ma s shown in Fig. 1, on the plate 29 at positions above said rollers. A par line 49 is drawn across the rollers 55 and 59 inclusive.

On one of the end plates I I an opening 50 is provided. Correspondingr openings 6I are formed in roller sections to 4l inclusive, so that these roller sections may be aligned to the desired set of reference time for the different distances by inserting a pin or rod through the opening 63'? and corresponding openings in the rollers. Nut is then tightened and the bar is withdrawn.

The operation of the race handicapping device may be understood from the following:

Assume that it is desired to handicap the race known as the 4th Race at Belmont which will take place on August 12. A standard racing paper is purchased which will give the necessary information concerning the race, by which the handicapping may be done, From the newspaper it will be found that the horses racing are Pavct, Great Power, Jeep and Plebiscito. Let us sume that the handicapping device has been set for the particular track on which the race will take place.

Our rst problem is to obtain the handicapping rating for the iirst horse Pavot. From the racing paper we note that the last prior race of Pavot took place on Aug. 5, that the race was 3A oi a mile, and that the time was 1:121/5, We now turn one of the knobs 2i! so that we set the roller il which represents a 3A; mile race, so that the position 1:121/5 is positioned above the sighting bar 23; rating reading is now 89. We next adjust the racing date roller 53 so that the date i2' is aligned with the par line 4Q of the rollers to 59 inclusive. This par line 49 represents the starting point for adding or subtracting points for different factors as days, lengths beaten or stretch gain, class, percentage, etc.

Any number of rollers may be used within a frame with any desired handicapping factors marked in points on said rollers.

Since Pavot won its prior race there is no necessity of moving the lengths beaten roller 5d. The rating therefore remains at 89. The next thing we do is to press the knob i9 inwards so as to engage the clutch and then we turn the knob i9 so as to turn the racing date roller t3 from to the date of the last race which was August therefore, we turn the knob I9 clockwise until 5 is positioned above the sighting bar turned knob I9 clockwise we subtract on the Rating roller and we will find that 82 is now the rating reading.

We next set the weight roller lil. From the racing paper we note that Pavots weight is 122'. In the last race it was 126. We therefore pull out the knob i9 so as to disengage the clutch 25 and then we set the reading 126 of the weight roller 51 above the sighting bar We then press in the knob i9 to engage the clutch 25 and now turn the knob I9 so as to move the 122 marking on the weight roller 51 above the sighting bar 25. We will nd that the rating reading now above the sighting bar is 83.

We neXt draw the knob out and turn the rnob I9 until the par line 59' of the Class .roller 58 is above the sighting bar We now push the knob i3 inwards to connect the clutch turn the knob counterclockwise, until we reach the Class of Pavot, which is A/W. This adds 5 points to the rating reading and it is now 88.

We now pull the knob lil out again disengaging the clutch 25, and line the par line 119' with the sighting bar 28. We then press the knob IB inwards to connect the clutch Z5 and then turn the Percentage roller 59 counterclockwise to a percentage of winnings of Pavot, as given in the racing paper. We iind that this adds 2@ points, and makes the reading 108. This is Pavots rating. In this same way the ratings of the various horses in the race are figured, Great Powers rating will be Q'LJeeps 92, and Plebiscito 105. rIhis gives the handicapping ratios of the various horses.

Since Pavot won the last race7 it may be best to consider the horse Jeep so that we may see the manner in which the Lengths Beaten rolle?.` 56 is operated. From the racing paper we see that Jeep was beaten in the last race by 71A lengths. We line up the par line it' with the When we l sighting bar 28. Then we press the knob I9 inwards so as to connect the clutch 25 and turn the knob I9 clockwise '7l/4 lengths which will subtract 7 points from the rating oi Jeep. If it is desired to take the stretch gains also into consideration, then points would be added to the ratings for stretch gains merely by turning the rollers counter-clockwise. In other respects the final rating is substantially the same as previously described.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A race handicapping device, comprising a frame, a shaft turnably mounted through said frame for supporting a first group of individually and manually settable rollers, a tubular shaft turnably mounted on said shaft for supporting a second group of individually and manually settable rollers, means for connecting said shafts together for unitary rotation of said groups and disconnecting said shafts for individual rotation of said groups, a sighting bar mounted across said frame, a sliding guide on said sighting bar, said iirst group of rollers including a rating roller having peripheral divisions extending upwards and downwards from 10i) representing a starting point and a set of reference, time and distance rollers adjustably connected with each other and with said rating roller for setting to par track records for the distance and time, said second group of rollers including a racing date roller and a set of rollers representing lengths beaten, weight, class, and percentage winnings xedly connected with each other and adjustably con nected with said racing date roller for daily adjustment of the date roller in relation to the other rollers, and a plate with markings mounted on said frame and extending across said rollers for identifying said rollers.

2. A race handicapping device, comprising a frame, a shaft turnably mounted through said frame for supporting a rst group of individually and manually settable rollers, a tubular shaft turnably mounted on said shaft for supporting a second group of individually and manually settable rollers, means for connecting said shafts together for unitary rotation of said groups and disconnecting said shafts for individual rotation of said groups, a sighting bar mounted across said frame and with which values on the rollers are aligned and a guide slidable on said bar, said iirst group of rollers including a rating roller having peripheral divisions extending upwards and downwards from representing a starting point K and a set of reference, time and distance rollers adjustably connected with each other and said rating roller for setting to par track records for the distances and time, said second group of rollers including racing date roller and a set of rollers representing lengths beaten, weight, class, and percentage winnings fixedly connected with each other and adjustably connected with said racing date roller for daily adjustment of the date roller in relation to the other rollers, and a plate with markings mounted on said frame and extending across said rollers for identifying said rollers, said means for connecting said shafts 6 comprising clutch members adjacent each other and mounted upon said shafts and capable of engaging each other1 when said shafts are adjusted lengthwise with respect to each other.

3. A race handicapping device, comprising frame, a shaft turnahly mou-nte, hrough said frame for supporting,r a rst group of individually and manually settable rollers, a tubular shaft turnably mounted on said shaft for supporting a second group or individually and manually settable rollers, means for connecting said shafts together for unitaryv rotation of said groups and disconnecting said shafts for individual rotation of said groups, a sighting` har motnted across said frame and 'with v relels .ieo' a g e on g -.oup of rollers inch" ra mg roller nal-ving peripheral divisions extending upwards and downwards from 1GB representing a starting point and a set of reference, time and distance rollers adjustahly connected with each other and with said rating roller for setting to par track recor for the distances and time, said second group of rollers including racing` roller and a set of rollers representing lengths beaten, weight, class, and percentage Winnings :Xedly connected with each other and adjustably connected with said racing date roller for manual daily adjustment of the date roller in relation to the other rollers, and a plate with markings mounted on said frame and extending across said rollers for identifying said rollers, said racing date roller be ing loose upon said tubular shaft, and a frotion washer between said racmg date roller and the adjacent roller of the rollers of said second group of rollers by which the racing date roller is frictionally held in a stationary position in relation to the other rollers of said r Vine 1d aligned ord for of roller adjustment o5 the other roller, and

a plate with markings mounted on said frame and extending across said rollers for identifying said rollers, said first group of rollers being looked together in e, xed unit by clamping nut, said nut being le against the outer face of the end roller of said nrst group of rollers and clamping said group of rollers together against s 0[per mounted upon said shaft, nuts being 'ead dlp' mounted upon said shaft and friction ashers on either side of the end plate rrictionally holding the first group of rollers in any desired position.

5. A race handicapping device, comprising a frame, a shaft turnahly mounted through said Fame for supporting a first oup of individually ,ble rollers, a tubular shaft -y mounted on said shaft for supportingt l g'foup o individually and manually setrs, means for connecting said shafts groups and -rern unitari,1 rotation or" said :ting said shaft for individual rotation .isconnid said iirst roller having upwu and downstarting point and tance rollers adier and with said ,1o par track records for D date with markings aci' sai-:i

ya e and exor id ntiiying said rollers being locked rollers ogethei' against a n1einher mounted upon haft, nuts oo-ing thread- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile or" this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 995,466 Jones June 29, 191i 50 1,409.583 Robinso Mar 14, 1922 1,459,279 Butcher June la, 1923 407,825 Headley July 30, 1889 

